
^' JOSEPH F. WAGNER, NEW YO 



RK 



CLASSICAL DRAMAS 

Arranged for Performance 
By Male Characters Only 

and supplied with minute stage directions, diagrams, costume and 
property plots, etc. 

By Prof. C. J. BIRBECK 

Teacher of Elocution at ST. Francis Xavier's C01.1.KGE, New York; Seton 

Hai,Iv Co1vI.EGE, South Orange, etc, ; Director of Dramatic Productions 

by St. Francis Xavier's and other prominent institutions 



OF THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ISSUED 

No. I. RICHARD III, adapted from the original of Shakespeare. 
No. II. RICHELIEU, adapted from the original of Lytton Bulwer. 
No. III. THE BELLS, adapted from Sir Henry Irving's version. 

Price EACH 50 Cents 

The series will be continued 



For high class productions in Male Colleges, Young Men's 

Clubs, etc., no better or more successful material could be found 

than these CLASSICAL PLAYS, arranged by such an expert in 

".age craft as Prof. Birbeck. His explicit directions for stage 

anaging these dramas will insure and facilitate a worthy, finished 

d successful performance of the same. Prof. Birbeck 's series will 

^v; cordially welcomed by all those in need of really good material 

for male performers, material which has so far been exceedingly 

scarce. 

JOSEPH F. WAGNER, 9 BARCLAY STREET, NEW YORK 

/ 



THE BELLS 



DRAMA 

IN THREE ACTS 



BY 

LEOPOLD LEWIS 



Adapted for performance by Male Characters, and supplied 

with full directions for stage management, 

diagrams, etc. 

BY 

C. J. BIRBECK 

Professor of Elocution and English Literature 



NEW YORK 

JOSEPH F. WAGNER 






LIBRArtY OT CCNoRiiSS 
Iwo Copies Rocciveu 

DEC 22 iy'J4 

/) Copyri,:iLi entry 
8. 



3^- 



Copyright. 1904. by Joseph F. Wagner. Newtorit 



THE BELLS. 

Argument. 

This play was founded on "The Polish Jew," a dramatic study 
of M. M. Erckmann — Chatrian. 

Maj:hias, who forms a central figure through the entire play, 
had been, at a period of some fifteen years prior to opening of the 
first act, in very distressing circumstances; in fact poverty and 
ruin stared him in the face. He owed a sum of money which 
he was unable to pay. 

One stormy night, the snow falling heavily, there came to the 
inn of which he was the keeper, a traveller who bore the ap- 
pearance and in reality was, a Polish Jew. Whilst his horse and 
sleigh were being cared for by the hostler, he warmed himself 
by the fire and partook of some refreshments. At the expiration 
of about an hour he prepared for his departure. He took some 
money from a girdle which he wore about his waist and in doing 
so displayed a great quantity of golden coin. 

Mathias, though previously a comparatively honest man, was 
sorely tempted. He saw an opportunity of retrieving his lost 
fortunes and, heedless of his conscience which smote him terribly, 
he determined to kill the Jew and possess himself of his gold. 

He concealed himself some distance from the inn and when 
the Jew had seen his horse harnessed to the sleigh and had pro- 
ceeded some way on his journey, Mathias, disguised, rushed from 
an ambush, axe in hand and followed closely after the sleigh. 

He struck and killed the Jew, wrenched the girdle containing 
the money from the body, and in order to conceal the manner of 
the murder, he threw the corpse into his own lime kiln where it 
was consumed. He was never suspected. 

The nervous dread proceeding from the remorse which 
Mathias now feels, the frequent hallucinations, the jingling of 
sleigh bells, which he imagines he hears, terrorize him and fill 
his family and guests with wonder and dismay. 



CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY. 

Mathias. The Burgomaster. 

Christian. A young Officer. 

WiLHELM. Brother to Mathias. 

Hans, 'i 

Father Walter, \ Farmers. 

President of the Court. 

Clerk of the Court. 

A Mesmerist. 

A Notary. 

Doctor Zimmer. 

Franz. A servant to Mathias. 

Tony, \ 

Karl, C Guests. 

Fritz, ) 

Polish Jew. 

Judges, Barristers, Gendarmes, Guests, The Public 



COSTUMES. 

Mathias. Black coat, high yellow vest, black knee-breeches, 
black cloth leggings— large fur coat and fur cap. 

2nd dress. Drab coat and knee-breeches— stockings and 
buckled shoes. Iron-gray wig— smooth face— heavy eyebrows. 
3rd dress. Blouse with hood. 
Christian. Officer's hussar uniform, boots and spurs. Blond 

wig and moustache. 
Hans, J 
Walter, > Similar to Mathias* dress. Gray wigs. 

WiLHELM, ) 

Franz. Brown velveteen knee-breeches, gray stockings, shoes — 
white ballet shirt— red vest— waiter's apron. Black short- 
curled wig. 

Mesmerist. Clothes entirely black— white turnover collar— long 
black hair — black moustache and chin beard — very pale makeup 
— eyes made very prominent. 

Notary. Black coat, vest, breeches, stockings. Buckled shoes. 
Ruffled front to shirt. White dress wig. Makeup old. 

J^GES^^^' } ^^^^^ gowns— caps— white bag wigs. 

Barristers, i j-..^ 

Clerk, f ^'"°- 

Dr. Zimmer. Dressed like the Notary. Gray wig. 

Polish Jew. Large cloak — fur cap — dark underclothes. Black 

wig and beard. 
The Guests. Like Mathias' second dress. Makeup youthful. 



PROPERTIES. 



Act I. 



White snow cloth down on stage from the 3rd up to 5th entrance, 
inclusive. Table and 3 chairs R. and L. Stove, kettle, etc., R. 
Sideboard L. Spinning wheel and stool center. Large clock, hands 
to work, up L. Several chairs and an oaken settee. Glasses, de- 
canters and fancy china on sideboard. Several lighted candles on 
table R. Gun and game bag for Hans. Bottle of wine and glass 
for Franz, off L. 2 E. Lantern to be lighted for Franz. Wind 
outside. Snow falling all through act. Jug of wine for Franz. 
Glass to break in prompt entrance. Jewel box for Mathias, con- 
taining a necklace. Tray containing supper, wine, napkins, etc. 
Sleigh bells in prompt entrance. Curtain on window. 



Act IL 

Carpet down. Fire in grate up center — tongs. Cabinet up L. 
Sofa down R, Table and 3 armchairs L. Chairs about the room. 
Desk down L. to be locked — key. Pens, ink and paper on table. 
Church bells outside. Snuff box for Mathias. Bunch of keys for 
Mathias. Large leather bag of (coin) money in desk. Book for 
Franz. Portfolio and sealed documents for Notary. 



Act in. 

{In court room.) 

Carpet down. Judge*s desk center. Table R. and L. — chairs. 
Armchair R. center for Mathias. Papers and documents on tables 
and desk. Guns for Gendarmes. 

(In bedroom). Chintz curtains on alcove L. Table at alcove, 
also chair. Bed in alcove, chairs R. Lighted candle on table. 
Bottle of water and glass for Franz. Key in door R. Sleigh bells 
in prompt entrance. Chime of church bells off stage. 



ABBREVIATED STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. 
R. Right of stage. L. Left of stage. 

R. I. E.— Right first entrance. L. I. E.— Left first entrance. 
R. 2 E.— Right sec'd entrance. L. 2 E.— Left second entrance. 



etc. 



etc. 



R. U. E.— Right upper entrance. L. U. E.— Left upper entrance. 
D. R. P.— Door in right flat. D. L. R— Door in left flat. 

Flat, means the scene running across the back of the stage. 
R. C.— Right center of stage. L. C— Left center of stage. 
R. Cor.— Right corner. L. Cor.— Left corner. 

C. D.— Center door. 
C— Center of stage. 
t7^._Up stage toward the rear. 
Down.— Dov/n stage toward the audience. 

X.— To cross the stage. 
X's R.— To cross to the right of stage. 
X's L.— To cross to the left of stage. 
A Drop. — A scene let down from above. 
Time of Representation.— One hour and three-quarters. 
Place of Action. — Alsace. 
Period,— JhQ winter of 1833. 



SCENERY. 

Act I. 
Village Inn. Double Set, 

iSnowy Landscape drop in S showing bridge . 



I 1 \ 

R.S.£ yf tumuyUmtlCJjt,. \ lxc 

% 



/ 



/?.«.£•. -^ > 



V" \ 

Cauje drop 

Kitchen drop xrv 3. 

r 




Act II. 



Parlor in the Burgomaster's House. 



Street drop in S skowirig snowcovered buildings- 



Pladn, Ouunber boxed en A- 




Cfiair Chair 




^ f" f 

Chair ladle Cfzau^t 



Act III. 

Double Set. 
Front Set — Burgomaster's bedchamber. 
Back Set — Courtroom interior. 



Drop in 6 represeritiag back of Coartrvorrv. 




j Door 
M-HC. Chcur 



Qayg drop patuUed toskowirtteriorofRoom. 



Table 



THE BELLS. 



ACT I. 

Interior of a Village Inn in Alsace. A kitchen drop in 3, 
having a large windozv R. and door L. (in drop). Snowy land- 
scape backing. Sides boxed to ist entrance R. and L. Door R. 3 
E. Door L. 2 E. Stove at R. 2 E.— kettle on stove. Sideboard 
with china and glasses near L. i 2. Table dozun R. — 3 chairs at 
table. Several other chairs — oak settee. Lamp burning on table 
R. Table L. chair. Spinning wheel and stool up center. Large 
clock, hands to work up in L. corner. It is Christmas Eve. Snow 
falling outside, which must be seen through window and when 
door opens. *Music at rise. Lights up, but the border lights back 
of 3 to be dim. Wind and sleigh bells to work in prompt entrance. 



Saoivy Landscape bacftirig . 



Jilt c ken drop in, 3 







12 THE BELLS. 

WiLHELM. (disc, at stove r.) Hans passes window; enters 
through door at back; he is covered with snozv; he carries a gun, 
and a large game hag is slung across his shoulders. 

Hans, {taking oif his hat and shaking away the snow) More 
snow, Master Wilhelm, more snow! (He places his gun by the 
side of the stove,) 

WiLHELM. Still in the village, Hans? 

Hans. Yes, on Christmas eve one may be forgiven some small 
indulgence. 



I/ans Wilhelm 

O o 



WiLHELM. You know your sack of flour is ready for you at 
the mill? 

Hans. Oh, yes ; but I am not in a hurry. Father Walter will 
take charge of it for me in his cart. Now one glass of wine, and 
then I'm off. (he sits at table, r., laughing) 

WiLHELM. Father Walter still here? I thought he had left 
long ago. 

Hans. No. no. He is still at the Golden Fleece emptying his 
bottle. As I came along, I saw his cart standing outside the 
grocer's, with the coffee, the cinnamon, and the sugar, all covered 
with snow, he, he, he ! He is a jolly old fellow. Fond of good wine, 
and I don't blame him, you may be sure. We shall leave together. 

WiLHELM. And you have no fear of being upset? 

Hans. What does it matter? As I said before, on Christmas 
eve one may be forgiven some small indulgence. 

WiLHELM. I will lend you a lantern when you go. (calling) 
Franz! Franz! 

Franz, (off l.) Yes, sir! 

WiLHELM. Some wine for Hans I 

Franz. Yes, sir. 

Hans. That's the sort. Considering the festive character of 
weather like this, one really must take something. 



THE BELLS. 13 

WiLHELM. Yes, but take care, our white wine is very strong. 

Hans. Oh, never fear. But, where is our Burgomaster? 
How is it he is not to be seen ? Is he ill ? 

WiLHELM. No, my brother, the Burgomaster went to Ribeau- 
ville five days ago. 

(Enter Franz from door l. 2 e., crosses over table R. and places 
a decanter of white wine and glasses upon it.) 

Franz. Here is the wine Master Hans. 

(Exit Franz door l.) 

Hans. Good, good! (he pours out a glass, and drinks with 
gusto) I wager, now, that the Burgomaster has gone to buy the 
wine for the wedding. 

WiLHELM. (laughing) Not at all improbable. 

Hans. Only, just now, when I was at the Golden Fleece, it 
was talked about publicly, that the pretty Annette, the daughter of 
the Burgomaster, and Christian, the Quartermaster of Gen- 
darmes, were going to be married ! I could scarcely believe my 
ears. Christian is certainly a brave man, and an honest man, and 
a handsome man! I do not wish to maintain anything to the 
contrary. Our village is rather distinguished in that respect 
(pulls up his shirt collar) But he has nothing but his pay to live 
upon, whilst Annette is the richest match in the village. 

WiLHELM. Do you believe then, Hans, that money ought 
always to be the one consideration? 

Hans. No, no, certainly not— on the contrary. Only, I 
thought that the Burgomaster 

WiLHELM. Well, you have been mistaken; Mathias did not 
even ask, "What have you ?" He said at once, "Let Annette give 
her free consent, and I give mine !" 

Hans. And did she give her free consent? 
WiLHELM. Yes; she loves Christian, and as my brother has 
no thought but the happiness of his child, he does not look for 
wealth. 

Hans. Oh, if the Burgomaster consents and you consent, and 
Annette consents, why, I suppose I cannot refuse my consent 
either. Only, I may make this observation, I think Christian a 
very lucky dog, and I wish I was in his place ! 

(Father Walter passes the window and enters; he is covered 
with snozu which he brushes oif; he then goes down R. to the hack 
of table.) 



14 THE BELLS. 



Walter 
O 




Walter. Ha! Ha! There you are, Hans, taking care that 
the inner man will not suffer on this stormy Christmas eve. Good 
evening, Master Wilhelm ! How is the lovely Annette whom they 
say Christian is about to carry off? 

Hans. What an old fool you are, Walter ! 

{Enter Franz through door l. and places a lighted lantern 
on the sideboard l., he exits.) 

Walter. Well, I am afraid there is a pair of us ; but what is 
the meaning of that lantern? 

Hans. Why, to act as a light for the cart. 

Wilhelm. (goes to sideboard and blows out the light in the 
lantern) Now, you can go by moonlight. 

Walter. Yes, yes; certainly we will go by the light of the 
moon. Let us empty a glass in honor of the young couple, (they 
ail glasses) Here's to the health of Christian and Annette ! 

(they drink — Hans taking a long time in drinking the contents 
of his glass, and then heaving a deep sigh, and Music com' 
mences.) 

Walter, (seriously) And now listen; as I entered I saw 
Christian returning with two gendarmes, and I am sure that in 
a quarter of an hour 

Wilhelm. (goes up to zvindow) Listen ! The wind is rising 
(wind off stage quite loud) I hope Mathias is not now on the 
road. Ah! it is Christian! (*music forte) (Christian passes the 
window and enters door; he is covered with snow.) 

Omnes. Christian! (music stops) 

Chris. Good evening all. (He takes off his hat and lays it 
on table l.; he brushes the snow from his clothing and sits at 
R. of table L.) 

Wilhelm. Where have you come from. Christian? 



THE BELLS. I5 

Chris. From the Hovald! From the Hovald! What, a snow- 
storm ! I have seen many in Auvergne or the Pyrenees, but never 
anything like this. (Wilhelm goes off l. door and returns with 
a jug of wine which he places on the stove — Takes a glass from 
the sideboard and places it on table l.) I have been five hours 
on duty in the snow, on the Hovald. 

Wilhelm. You have been five hours in the snow, Christian! 
Your duties must be terribly severe. 

Chris. How can it be helped? At two o'clock we received 
information that smugglers had passed the river the previous 
night, with tobacco and gunpowder; so we were bound to be off 
at once. 

Wilhelm. {pours hot wine from jug into glass and hands 
it to Christian) Drink this Christian, it will warm you. 

Chris. Thank you, Wilhelm {drinks) Ah ! that's good. 

Walter. The Quartermaster is not difficult to please. {'^Music.) 




Walter 

seated 

O 



Wilhelm. {to Christian) Never mind. Christian, you are 
fortunate to have arrived thus early! {wind heard off) Listen 
to the wind! I hope that Mathias will have the prudence to 
stop for shelter somewhere on the road. 

Chris. Your winters are very severe here. 

Walter. Oh, not every year, Quartermaster! For fifteen 
years we have not had a winter so severe as this. 

Hans. No — I do not remember to have seen so much snow 
since what is called "The Polish Jew's Winter." In that year 
the Schnieberg was covered in the first days of November, and 
the frost lasted till the end of March. 

Christian. And for that reason it is called "The Polish 
Jew's Winter?" 



l6 THE BELLS. 

Walter. No— It is for another and terrible reason, which 
none of us will ever forget. Master Wilhelm remembers it well, 
I am sure. 

Wilhelm. You are right, Walter, you are right. 

Hans, Had you been here at that time. Quartermaster, you 
might have won your cross. 

Chris. How? 

(Hans and Walter smoking — Christian occasionally drink- 
ing his wine.) 

Walter. I can tell you all about this affair from the beginning 
to the end, since I saw it nearly all myself. Curiously enough, it 
was this very day, just fifteen years ago, that I was seated at this 
very table. There was Mathias, who sat there, and who had only 
bought his mill just six months before; there was old John 
Roebec, who sat there — they used to call him "the Little Shoe- 
maker;" and several others, who are now sleeping under the 
turf — we shall all go there some day! Happy are those who 
have nothing upon their conscience! We were just beginning a 
game of cards, when, just as the old clock struck ten, the sound 
of horse bells was heard; a sledge stopped before the door, and 
almost immediately afterwards a Polish Jew entered. He was a 
well-made, vigorous man, between forty and fifty years of age. 
I fancy I can see him even now entering at that door with his 
green cloak and his fur cap, his large black beard and his great 
boots covered with hare skin. He was a seed merchant. He 
said as he came in, "Peace be with you!" Everybody turned to 
look at him, and thought, "Where has he come from ? What does 
he want?" Because you must know that the Polish Jews who 
come to dispose of seed do not arrive in this province till the 
month of February. Mathias said to him, "What can I do for 
you?" But the Jew, without replying, first opened his cloak, and 
then unbuckled a girdle which he wore round his waist. This 
he threw upon the table, and we all heard the ringing sound of 
the gold it contained! Then he said, "The snow is deep; the 
road difficult; put my horse in the stable. In one hour I shall 
continue my journey." After that he drank his wine without 
speaking to any one, and sat like a man depressed, and who is 
anxious about his affairs. At eleven o'clock the Night Watchman 
came in. Every one went his way, and the Jew was left alone f 



THE BELLS. 



17 



(Chord of Music — loud gust of wind — crash of glass off at L. 
— hurry — All start to their feet — Music continued) 

WiLHELM. What has happened? I must go and see— I will 
fcturn immediately. (exits door l.) 

(The others resume their seats.) 

Chris. But I do not yet see how I could have gained the 
cross in this affair 

Walter. Stop a minute. The next morning they found the 
Jew's horse dead under the Bridge of Vechem, and a hundred 
yards further on, the green cloak and the fur cap, deeply stained 
with blood. As to what became of the Jew himself has never to 
this day been discovered. (Music ceases) 

Hans. Everything that Walter has stated is strictly true. 
The gendarmes came here the next morning, notwithstanding 
the snow; and, in fact, it is since that dreadful time that the 
brigade has been established here. 

Chris. But was no inquiry instituted? 

Hans. Inquiry ! I should think there was. It was the former 
Quartermaster, Kelz, who undertook the case. How he travelled 
about ! What witnesses he badgered ! What clues he discovered ! 
What information and reports were written! and how the coat 
and the cap were analysed, and examined by magistrates and 
doctors! — but it all came to nothing! 

Chris. But, surely, suspicion fell on someone. 

Hans. Oh, of course, the gendarmes are never at a loss for 
suspicions in such cases. But proofs are required. About that 
time, you see, there were two brothers living in the village who 
had an old bear, with his ears all torn, two big dogs, and a 
donkey, that they took about with them to the fairs, and made 
the dogs bait the bear. This brought them a great deal of money ; 
and they lived a rollicking dissipated life. When the Jew disap- 
peared, they happened to be at Vechem ; suspicions fastened upon 
them, and the report was, that they had caused the Jew to be 
eaten by the dogs and the bear, and that they only refrained from 
swallowing the cloak and cap, because they had had enough. 
They were arrested, and it would have gone hard with the poor 
4evils, but Mathias interested himself in their case, and they 
were discharged, after being in prison fifteen months. That was 
the specimen of suspicion of the case. 



l8 THE BELLS. 

Chris. What you have told me greatly astonishes me. I 
never heard a word of this before. 

{Re-enters Wilhelm door l.; he crosses behind table and then 
goes to center.) 

Wilhelm. Confound that fellow Franz ! I was sure he left 
the windows in the kitchen open, and now every pane of glass in 
them is broken. I must tell you Christian that Fritz is outside 
He wishes to speak with you. 

Chris. Fritz the gendarme? 

Wilhelm. Yes, I asked him to come in, but he would not 
It is upon some matter of duty. 

Chris. Ah ! good, I know what it is! (he rises, takes up his 
hat and goes to door in drop) 

Wilhelm. You will return, Christian? 

Chris. In a few minutes, (exits) 

Walter. Ah! there goes a brave young fellow — gentle in 
character, I will admit, but not a man to trifle with rogues. 

Hans. Yes, Mathias is fortunate in finding so good a son- 
in-law; but everything has succeeded with Mathias for the last 
fifteen years. (Music commences) He was comparatively poor 
then, and now he is one of the richest men in the village, and the 
Burgomaster. He was born under a lucky star. 

Walter. Well, and he deserves all the success he has achieved. 
Wilhelm. Hark! (x's up to l. of door) 
Hans. It is, perhaps. Christian returning as he promised. 
(*Music becomes stronger.) 

(Mathias passes the window, then enters at c. door; he wears 
a long cloak covered with snow, large cap made of otter's 
skin, gaiters and spurs, and carries a large riding whip in 
his hand — tableau.) 

Math. It is I— It is I ! (Music ceases) 
Wilhelm. Mathias! Brother. 

Hans v ^^^^^^^^S w/>) The Burgomaster! 
Wilhelm. You have come at last. 



THE BELLS. 



19 




Math. Yes, yes! Heaven be praised! What a snow storm. 
[ was obliged to leave the carriage at Vechem. It will be brought 
over to-morrow. 

WiLHELM. {taking his coat) Let me take this off for you. I 
am very glad you did not stop away. We were becoming very 
anxious about you. 

Math. So I thought, Wilhelm; and that is the reason I 
determined to reach home to-night, (he looks around and goes 
over to table r.; he takes off his hat and gives it to Wilhelm) 
Ha! ha! Father Walter and Hans you will have nice weather in 
which to go home, (to Wilhelm) Brother, tell Franz to have 
these things dried. (Mathias sits l. of table r.) 

Wilhelm. (goes to door l and calls) Franz ! Franz, you lazy 
rascal, get your master's supper ready at once, and tell Nickel to 
take the horse to the stable. (Hans and Walter sit at table r.) 



Nattt 

O 



Wilhelm 
O 



Walter 
O 



aO THE BELLS. 

Franz, {within) Yes, sir; yes, sir; I will. 

WiLHELM. We thought perhaps that your cousin Both would 
have detained you. 

Math, (unbuttoning his gaiters) Oh, I had finished all my 
business yesterday morning, and I wished to come away; but 
Both made me stop to see a performance in the town. 

WiLHELM. A performance! Is Punchinello at Ribeauville? 

(WiLHELM goes to L. c, down stage.) 

Math. No, it was not Punchinello. It was a Parisian who 
did extraordinary tricks. He sent people to sleep. 

WiLHELM. Sent people to sleep ! 

Math. Yes. 

WiLHELM. He gave them something to drink, no doubt. 

Math. No; he simply looked at them and made signs, and 
they went fast asleep. — It certainly was an astonishing perform- 
ance. If I had not myself seen it I should never have believed it. 

Hans. Ah! the Brigadier Stenger was telling me about it 
the other day. He had seen the same thing at Saverne. This 
Parisian sends people to sleep, and when they are asleep he 
makes them tell him everything that weighs upon their con- 
sciences. 

Math. Everything— Wilhelm? 

WiLHELM. Yes, brother. 

Math. Look in the big pocket of my cloak. (Enter Franz 
from L. 2 door — he goes to center) Here Franz take these gaiters 
and spurs ; hang them in the stable with the harness. 

Franz. Yes, Burgomaster, (exit Frahz through door in drop) 

WiLHELM. (coming down stage with box) What is it, 
Mathias ? 

Math, (rising) Open the box. (Wilhelm opens box — the 
others approach and look at it — shows a handsome necklace.) 

Hans. How very handsome ! Is it for Annette? 

Math. For whom else should it be? Not for Franz, I fancy. 

Walter. Ha! ha! what will Christian say? 

Math. He will say she is the prettiest girl in the Province. 
It is my wedding present for Annette. On the day of her mar- 
riage I wish her to wear it, and to preserve it forever. In fifteen 
or twenty years hence I hope she will remember her father gave 
it to her. 

Wilhelm. I warrant you she will never forget it. 



THE BELLS. . 2t 

Math. All I wish is to see her happy with Christian. And 
now for supper and some wine, (to Walter and Hans) You 
will stop and take a glass of wine with me? 

Walter. With pleasure, Burgomaster. (all sit at fable R.) 



Hans 
O 



Walter ~\ V Mathiat 

olio 



Hans. For you, Burgomaster, we will try and make a 
little effort. 

(Enter Franz, door l. with tray of supper and wine which he 
places on table r. ; Mathias helps the others to wine, and 
begins to eat with good appetite. Franz closes the curtains 
on window and exits door l. 2 e.) 
Math. There is one advantage about the cold. It gives you 
a good appetite. Here's to your health ! (^he drinks) 
I Walter. > ^^ , „ 

I Hans \ "^'■^^ yours, Burgomaster ! 

I (they touch glasses 

and drink) 
Math. Christian has not been here this evening? 
Wilhelm. Yes; they came to fetch him, but he will return 
I presently. 
I Math. Ah! Good! good! 

Wilhelm. He came late to-day, in consequence of some duty 
he had to perform in the Hovald, in the capture of smugglers. 

Math, (eating) Nice weather for such a business. By the 
j side of the river, I found the snow five feet deep. 
( Walter. Yes; we were talking about that. We were telling 
the Quartermaster, that since the "Polish Jew's Winter" we had 
never seen weather like this. 

(Mathias zvho zvas raising the glass to his lips — places it on 
i the table again without drinking.) 



aa THE BELLS. 

Math. Ah ! you were talking of that ! 

{distant sound of Bells heard— to himself— "Bdls ! Bells !" 

— his zvhole aspect changes, and he leaves off eating, and 

sits listening— the Bells continue louder) 

Hans. That winter, you remember, Burgomaster, the whole 

valley was covered several feet deep with snow, and it was a long 

time before the horse of the Polish Jew could be dug out. 

Math, {with assumed indifference) Very possibly; but that 
tale is too old! It is like an old woman's story now, and is 
thought about no more, {watching them and starting up) Do 
you not hear the sound of Bells upon the road? {the Bells still 
go on) 

Wal?er.}<''^'^'"»£) Bells? No! 

WiLHELM. What is the matter, brother? You appear to be 
ill. I will go and get you some hot wine. {exits door l. 2 e.) 

Math. Thank you; it is nothing. 

Walter. Come, Hans, let us go and see to the horse. At the 
same time, it is very strange that it was never discovered who 
did the deed. 

Math. The rogues have escaped, more's the pity. Here's 
your health! {Music) 

Walter. ) t,, , , 

Hans. j^ Thank you I 

Hans. It is just upon the stroke of ten! {they drink, and go 
out together at door in drop l.) 

Math, {alone — comes forward and listens with terror — 
*Music with frequent chords) Bells! Bells! {he runs to the 
window and slightly drawing the curtains, looks out) No one on 
the road, {comes forward) What is this jingling in my ears? 
What is to-night? Ah, it is the very night — the very hour! {clock 
strikes ten) I feel a darkness coming over me. {stage darkens) 
A sensation of giddiness seizes me. {he staggers to chair) Shall 
I call for help? No, no, Mathias. Have courage! The Jew is 
dead! 

{He sinks on chair l. of r. table. The Bells are louder — 
stage and house dark. The hack drop goes up and the stage 
calcium lights are thrown on the scene, set behind. This 
is shown to the audience through a gauze drop. The scene 
is a snow-covered landscape and bridge drop in 5. Snow 



THE BELLS. 



«3 



wings — snow cloth down on stage and snow falling. Lime- 
kiln burning up left. Bells sound nearer and nearer. A 
horse and sleigh — a man in the sleigh, enter l. 4 e. Attached to 
the runners of the sleigh are wheels to facilitate easy move- 
ment. They cross up to R. 5 e. A man in cap and blouse 
carrying an axe follozvs in the snow — the axe is uplifted. 
Bells stop. *Music tremulo continues.) 
Math, {his back to scene) Oh, it is nothing. It is the wine 
and cold that have overcome me ! 

{he rises and turns, goes up stage; starts violently upon seeing 
the vision before him; at the same time the Jew in the 
sledge suddenly turns his face, which is ashy pale, and fixes 
his eyes sternly upon him; Mathias utters a prolonged 
cry of terror, and falls senseless — hurried Music) 

Quick Curtain. 

END OF the first ACT. 



Snowdrop in 5 showing Bridge 



Bctriunq LuneJCUn, 



Borst ^<Cf^ Polish Jtt^ 



O 

Man tvith cue 



use. 




C/uxir Chair 



GcLuje drop 



Jtove 



O 

MaJhias 



CfKur Tadie Cfuur 



Chair 1cU>U C/icuir 




24 



THE BELLS. 



ACT II. 

Parlor in the Burgomaster's house. Plain chamber boxed in ^ 
Two windows R. and L. in flat, fireplace and grate between them. 
Door R. and L. Carpet down. Sofa right— table and arm- 
chairs L. Cabinet up in L. corner. Desk down near L. I. E, 
Chairs about the rooms. Time, morning. Lights up full. *Music 
at rise of curtain. Fire in grate— tongs. Pens, ink and paper on 
the table, 

JV/ygf drop in, 5. skoiring snotrcoi^ered buUding^K^ 




\At the rise of curtain Mathias is discovered seated in arn^ 
chair r. of table l. Doctor Zimmer and Wilhelm are 
standing up stage in front of fireplace, regarding Mathias 
intently; they go down center — Wilhelm is leaning on the 
back of table.) 



THE BELLS. 2$ 

Doctor. You feel better, Burgomaster? 

Math. Yes, I am quite well. 

Doctor. No more pains in the head? 

Math. No. 

Doctor. No more strange noises in the ears? 

Math. When I tell you that I am quite well — that I never 
was better — that is surely enough. 

Wilhelm. For a long time he has had bad dreams. He talks 
in his sleep, and his thirst at night is constant, and feverish. 

Math. Is there anything extraordinary in being thirsty dur- 
ing the night ? 

Doctor. Certainly not : but you must take more care of your- 
self. You drink too much white wine, Burgomaster. Your attack 
of the night before last arose from this cause. You had taken too 
much wine at your cousin's, and then the severe cold having 
^seized you, the blood had flown to the head. 

Math. I was cold, but that stupid gossip about the Polish 
Jew was the cause of all. 

Doctor. How was that? 

Math. Well, you must know, when the Jew disappeared they 
brought me the cloak and cap that had belonged to the poor 
devil, and the sight of them quite upset me, remembering he had, 
the night before, stopped at our house. Since that time I had 
thought no more of the matter until the night before last, when 
some gossip brought the afifair again to my mind. It was as if 
I had seen the ghost of the Jew. We all know that there are no 
such things, but — {to Wilhelm) — Have you sent for the Notary? 

Wilhelm. Yes ; but you must be calm. 

Math. I am calm. But Annette's marriage must take place 
at once. When a man in robust health and strength is liable 
to such an attack as I have had, nothing should be postponed 
till the morrow. What occurred to me the night before last 
might again occur to-night. I might not survive the second blow, 
and then I should not have seen my dear children happy. And 
now leave me. Whether it was the wine, or the cold, or the 
gossip about the Polish Jew, it comes to the same thing. It is all 
past and over now. 

Doctor. But, perhaps, Burgomaster, it would be better to 
adjourn the signing of the marriage contract for a few days. 



26 THE BELLS. 

It is an affair of so much interest and importance that the 
agitation might 

Math, (angrily) Good heavens, why will not people attend 
to their own business! I was ill, you bled me — I am well again 
— so much the better. Let the Notary be sent for at once. Let 
Father Walter and Hans be summoned as witnesses, and let the 
whole affair be finished without further delay. 

Doctor, (aside) His nerves are still very much shaken. 
Perhaps it will be better to let him have his own way. (to 
Mathias) Well, well, we'll say no more about it. Only don't 
forget what I have said — be careful of the white wine. 

Math, (angrily striking the table, turning his back) Good! 
Good! Ah! 

(The Doctor looks with pity towards him, bows, and exits 
door, L. — the church bell commences to ring — Music.) 

Math. Go and call Annette. Christian should be here by 
this time. Something must have detained him. 

(exit WiLHELM, door L.) 

(The church bells ring and the villagers in their holiday dresses 
pass by the window. Mathias taking a pinch of snuff 
from his box goes to window and salutes several who pass 
on. As he returns down stage to right the music stops, 
also the church bells.) 

All goes well ! Luckily all is over. But what a lesson, 
Mathias, — what a lesson! Would any one believe that the mere 
talk about the Jew could bring on such a fit? Fortunately the 
people about here are such idiots they suspect nothing, (seats 
himself in chair by table) But it was that Parisian fellow at 
the fair who was the real cause of all. The rascal had really 
made me nervous. When he wanted to send me to sleep as well 
as the others, I said to myself, "Stop, stop, Mathias — this sending 
you to sleep may be an invention of the devil, you might relate 
certain incidents in your past life! You must be cleverer than 
that, Mathias; you mustn't run your neck into a halter; you 
must be cleverer than that — ah ! you must be cleverer than that." 
(starting up and crossing to R.) You will die an old man yet, 
Mathias, and the most respected in the Province — (takes snuff) 
only this, since you dream and are apt to talk in your dreams, 
for the future you will sleep alone in the room above, the door 
locked, and the key safe in your pocket. They say walls have 



THE BELLS. 27 

ears — let them hear me as much as they please. (Music — takes 
bunch of keys out of his pocket) And now to count the dowry of 
Annette, to be given to our dear son-in-law, in order that our 
dear son-in-law may love us — (he crosses to l., unlocks the 
escritoire, takes out a large leather bag, unties it and empties the 
contents, consisting of gold pieces and rouleaux, upon the table) 
Thirty thousand francs, (he sits at table, front to the audience, 
and commences to count the money) Thirty thousand francs — 
a fine dowry for Annette. Ah! it is pleasant to hear the sound 
of gold! A fine dowry for the husband of Annette. He's a 
clever fellow is Christian. He's not a Kelz — half deaf and half 
blind ; no, no — he's a clever fellow is Christian, and quite capable 
of getting on a right track, (a pause) The first time I saw him 
I said to myself, "You shall be my son-in-law, and if anything 
should be discovered you will defend me." (continues to count, 
weighing piece upon his finger — takes up a piece and examines it} 
a piece of old gold! (looks at it more closely — starts) Ah! that 
came from the girdle ; not for them — no, no, not for them, for me. 
(places the piece of gold in his waistcoat pocket — he goes to the 
escritoire, opens a drawer, takes out another piece of gold an(§ 
throws it upon the table in substitution) That girdle did us a 
good turn — without it — without it we were ruined. If Catherine 
only knew — poor, poor Catherine, (he sobs — his head sinks on his 
breast — Music ceases — the Bells heard off, l., he starts) The 
Bells! the Bells again! They must come from the mill, (he 
rushes over to the door r., calls loudly.) Franz! Franz! Franz 
I say! 

(Enter Franz, door r. ; he has an open book in his hands; 
he is dressed in holiday garb — Mathias goes c.) 



FraHM Mathias 

o o 



Math. Is there any one at the mill? 



28 THE BELLS. 

Franz. No, Burgomaster. They have all gone to churdv 
and the wheel is stopped. 

Math. Don't you hear the sound of Bells? 

Franz. No, Burgomaster, I hear nothing, (the Bells cease) 

Math, (aside) Strange— strange, (rudely) What were you 
doing? 

Franz. I was reading, Burgomaster. 

Math. Reading — what? Ghost stories, no doubt. 

Franz. Oh, no, Burgomaster ! I was reading such a curious 
story, about a band of robbers being discovered after twenty- 
three years had passed, and all through the blade of an old knife 
having been found in a blacksmith's shop, hidden under some 
rusty iron. They captured the whole of them, consisting of the 
mother, two sons, and the grandfather, and they hanged them all 
in a row. Look, Burgomaster, there's the picture, (he shows 
book, which Mathias dashes violently from his hands) 

Math. Enough, enough! It's pity you have nothing better 
to do. There, go — go! (exit Franz, door r.) 

(seats himself at the table and puts remaining money into the bag) 
The fools! — not to destroy all evidence against them. To be 
hanged through the blade of an old knife. Not like that — not 
like that am / to be caught ! 

(Music — a sprightly military air — Christian passes at back, 
stops at center window and taps upon it — Mathias looks 
round, with a start, is re-assured upon seeing who it is, 
and says, "Ah, it is Christian!" — he ties up the bag and 
places it in the escritoire — Christian enters at door, r. — 
Mathias meets him half way — they shake hands — Music 
ceases — Christian is in the full dress of a Quartermaster 
of Gendarmes) 

Chris. Good morning, Burgomaster, I hope you are better. 

Math. Oh, yes, I am well. Christian. I have just been count- 
ing Annette's dowry, in good sounding gold. It was a pleasure 
to me to do so, as it recalled to me the days gone by, when by 
industry and good fortune I had been enabled to gain it; and I 
thought that in the future my children would enjoy and profit 
by all that I had so acquired. 

Chris. You are right, Burgomaster. Money gained by honest 
labor is the only profitable wealth. It is the good seed which ta 
time is sure to bring a rich harvest. 



THE BELLS. 



29 



Math. Yes, yes; especially when the good seed is sown in 
good ground. The contract must be signed to-day. 

Chris. To-day? 

Math. Yes, the sooner the better. I hate postponements. 
Once decided, why adjourn the business? It shows a great want 
of character. 

Chris. Well, Burgomaster, nothing to me could be more 
agreeable. 

Math. Annette loves you. 

Chris. Ah, she does. 

Math. And the dowry is ready — then why should not the 
affair be settled at once? I hope, my boy, you will be satisfied. 

Chris. You know, Burgomaster, I do not bring much. 

Math. You bring courage and good conduct — I will take 
care of the rest; and now let us talk of other matters. You 
are late to-day. I suppose you were busy. Annette waited for 
you, and was obliged to go without you. 

(Mathias goes up center and seats himself in chair by the 
fire; he takes up the tongs and arranges the fire.) 

(Christian lays his hat on the table l.; he unbuckles his 
sword and lays that also on table, then seats himself on 
chair on the opposite side from Mathias at fireplace.) 



Firepla 



Mathias 

o 



Christian 
O 



Chris. Ah, it was very curious business that detained me. 
Would you believe it. Burgomaster, I was reading old depositions 
from five o'clock till ten? The hours flew by, but the more I 
read, the more I wished to read. 

Math. And what was the subject of the depositions? 

Chris. They were about the case of the Polish Jew who 
was murdered on the Bridge of Vechem fifteen years ago. 



30 THE BELLS. 

Math, (dropping the tongs) Ah! 

Chris. Father Walter told me the story the night before last 
It seems to me very remarkable that nothing was ever discovered. 

Math. No doubt— no doubt. 

Chris. The man who committed that murder must have 
been a clever fellow. 

Math. Yes, he was not a fool. 

Chris. A fool! He would have made one of the cleverest 
gendarmes in the department. 

Math, (with a smile) Do you really think so? 

Chris. I am sure of it. There are so many ways of detecting 
criminals, and so few escape, that to have committed a crime like 
this, and yet to remain undiscovered, showed the possession of 
extraordinary address. 

Math. I quite agree with you, Christian; and what you say 
shows your good sense. When a man has committed a crime, 
and by it gained money, he becomes like a gambler, and tries 
his second and his third throw. I should think it requires a 
great amount of courage to resist the first success in crime. 

Chris. You are right, but what is most remarkable to me 
in the case is this, that no trace of the murdered man was ever 
found. Now do you know what my idea is? 

Math, (rising) No, no! What is your idea? (they come 
forward) 

Chris. Well, I find at that time there were a great many 
lime-kilns in the neighborhood of Vechem. Now it is my idea 
that the murderer, to destroy all traces of his crime, threw the 
body of the Jew into one of these kilns. Old Kelz, my pre- 
decessor, evidently never thought of that. 

Math. Very likely— very likely. Do you know that idea never 
occurred to me. You are the first who ever suggested it. 

Chris. And this idea led me to many others. Now suppose — 
suppose inquiry had been instituted as to those persons who were 
burning lime at that time. 

Math. Take care, Christian — take care. Why, I, myself, had 
a lime-kiln burning at the time the crime was committed. 

Chris, (laughing) Oh, you. Burgomaster? (he goes up stage 
and looks out of window) 
XMathias remains down stage; enter Wilhelm through door L.) 



THE BELLS. 



31 



Christian 
O 



3fatkiag 
O 



miMm 

o 



Math. Is the Notary here yet? 

WiLHELM. Yes, {pointing to door l.) he is in the next room 
with Father Walter and Hans, and the others. He is reading the 
contract to them now. 

Math. Good, good — (he goes up stage and calls off l.) Now 
to sign the contract. Walter, Hans, come in! Let every man 
come in! The most important acts in life should always take 
place in the presence of all men. It is an old and honest custom 
in Alsace. 

{^Lively music until all are in position.) 
{Enter through door h., Hans, Walter, ten Peasants and the 
Notary. The peasantry wear ribbons in their buttonholes and 
keep their hats on. They group about the stage. Mathias 
shakes hands with everybody and conducts the Notary to 
the left of the table.) 




Window- 



W^indoiv (PosUions f 



o 0. 

Peasants 



O ^ jPtasaats^ 

O McUtuas^ l » w sw 

muter » ll «| O 

O TaAl^ -^JTotofy} 

Hans ~~ 




33 THE BELLS. 

Notary. Gentlemen and witnesses, — You have just heard 
read the marriage contract between Christian Beme, Quarter- 
master of Gendarmes, and Annette Mathias. Has anyone any 
observations to make? 

Several Voices. No, no. 

Notary. Then we can at once proceed to take the signatures. 
(Mathias goes to the escritoire and takes out the hag of gold 
which he places on the table before the Notary) There is the 
dowry. It is not in promises made on paper, but in gold. Thirty 
thousand francs in good French gold. 

All. Thirty thousand francs ! 

Christian. It is too much. Burgomaster. 

Math. Not at all, not at all. When Catherine and myself are 
gone there will be more. And now, Christian, {Music commences) 
I wish you to make me one promise. 

Chris. What promise? 

(Mathias stands r. c. — Christian l. c.) 

Math. Young men are ambitious. It is natural they should 
be. You must promise me that you will remain in this village 
while both of us live. You know Annette is our only child; we 
love her dearly, and to lose her altogether would break our 
hearts. Do you promise? 

Chris. I do promise. 

Math. Your word of honor given before all? 

Chris. My word of honor given before all. {they shake hands) 

{* Music stops.) 

Math, {crossing to l. corner, and taking pinch of snuff — 
aside) It was necessary. And now to sign the contract, {he 
goes to table; the Notary hands him the pen, and points to the 
place ivhere he is to sign his name — Mathias is about to 
write — the Bells heard off — Mathias stops, listens with terror 
— his face to the audience, and away from the persons upon 
the stage — aside) Bells! Courage, Mathias! {after an effort he 
signs rapidly — the Bells cease — he throws the pen down) Come, 
(Christian, sign! (Christian approaches the table to sign — as he is 
about to do so Walter taps him on the shoulder^-M\imAS starts 
at the interruption.) 

Walter. It is not every day you sign a contract like that 

(All /aw^/t—MATHiAS heaves a sigh and is re-assured-^ 
Christian signs—- 






THE BELLS. ,j 



Math. Now see Annette and Catherine and let them sign. 
;( Christian runs off l. door) 

(Mathias seats himself in chair r. of table. The characters 
and peasants sing a chorus as the curtain descends slowly.) 

END OP ACT II. 



34 



THE BELLS. 



ACT III. 



A bedroom in the Burgomaster's house. A gauze drop in z, 
painted to represent the side of a chamber; this is immediately 
backed by another drop. There is a door to lock R. 2 E. and an 
alcove L., which contains a bed. The alcove is covered zvith 
plain curtains. There is a table on the up side of the alcove and 
a chair at the lower end. Back of the drops in 2 there is another 
set representing a courtroom. An interior drop in 5. Sides may 
be boxed or the entrances open — A large desk center on a plat- 
form. A partition on either side of stage about three feet high to 
enclose the public. When this back set is used the stage calcium is 
thrown freely upon it, zvhilst the house lights, the foot and front 
border lights are low. — Time, night. *Music at rise — stage lights 
up when the characters enter at rise. 



Drop in S. representirig back of a. Courtroom/. 




o -q: 



Judges' Desh> 



CkairJorMatfms 

Drop t)ac/c qfOcuge drop in 2. 




Qcui^e drop in, 2 



Door 



\h 



TaUe 





(Enter door r. — Mathias, Father Walter, Hans, Christian, 
WiLHELM. Franz carries a lighted candle, a bottle of 
water and a glass, which he places on table by the alcove. 
The men appear to feel their wine.) 







THE BELLS. 






35 




- 








Franz 
O 


Walter 
O 


Hans 
O 


Mathtas 
O 


Christian 

o 


mUelm 
O 





Hans, (laughing) Ha! ha! everything has gone off ad- 
mirably. We only wanted something to wind up with, and I 
may say that we are all as capitally wound up as the great clock 
at Strasbourg. (Franz goes off through door r.) 

Walter. Yes, and what wine we have consumed? For many 
a day we shall remember the signing of Annette's marriage con- 
tract. I shall like to witness such a contract every second day. 

Hans. There, I object to your argument. Every day, I say! 

Chris, (to Mathl\s) And so you are determined, Mathias, 
to sleep here to-night. 

Math. Yes, I am decided. I wish for air. I know what is 
necessary for my condition. The heat was the cause of my 
accident. This room is cooler, and will prevent its recurrence. 
{laughter heard outside) 

Hans. Listen, how they are still revelling! Come, Father 
Walter, let us rejoin the revels! 

Walter. But Mathias already deserts us, just at the moment 
when we were beginning to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. 

Math. What more do you wish me to do? From noon till 
midnight is surely enough ! 

Walter. Enough, it may be, but not too much; never too 
much of such wine. 

Hans. There, again, I object to your argument — never 
enough, I say. 

Wilhelm. Mathias is right. You remember that Doctor 
Zimmer told him to be careful of the wine he took, or it would 
one day play him false. He has already taken too much since 
this morning. 

Math. One glass of water before I go to rest is all I require. 
It will calm me — it will calm me. 



36 THE BELLS. 

(Karl^ Fritz and Tony, three of the guests of the previous 
act, enter suddenly, slightly merry, pushing each other.) 



WaUer 
O Hans 

O Mathias Christian 
Karl O O 

O Frits Wilhelm 

Tony O O 

O 



Guests. Good night, Burgomaster. Good night. 

Tony. I say, Hans! don't you know that the Night Watch- 
man is below? 

Hans. The Night Watchman ! What in the name of all that 
is polite, does he want? 

Karl. He requires us all to leave, and the house to be closed. 
It is past hours. 

Math. Give him a bumper of wine, and then good night all ! 

Walter. Past hours! For a Burgomaster no regulations 
ought to exist. 

Hans. ") _ 

Others. \ ^''^^'"'y "°'- 

Math, {with fierceness) Regulations made for all must be 
obeyed by all. 

Walter, (timidly) Well, then, shall we go? 

Math. Yes, yes, go! Leave me to myself. 

Walter. (shaking hands with Mathias) Good night, 
Mathias. I wish you calm repose, and no unpleasant dreams. 

Math, (fiercely) I never dream, (mildly) Good night, all. 
Go, friends, go. 

(Walter, Hans and guests exeunt door r. — Wilhelm and 
Christian remain.) 

Math. Good night, brother, (shakes hands with Wilhelm) 
I shall be better here. The wine, the riot and those songs have 
quite dazed my brain. I shall sleep better here, I shall sleep better. 

Chris. The room is fresh and cool. Good night. 



THE BELLS. 37 

Math. The same to you Christian, the same to you. {they 
shake hands) Good night; do not fear for me; good night. 
(Christian and Wilhelm, exeunt door r.) 
Music ceases — he goes up cautiously, locks the door, r., and 

puts the key in his pocket.) 
At last I am alone ! Everything goes well. Christian the 
gendarme is caught ! To-night I shall sleep without a fear 
haunting me ! If any new danger should threaten the father-in- 
law of the Quartermaster, it would soon be averted. Ah ! What 
a power it is to know how to guide your destiny in life. You 
must hold good cards in your hands. Good cards! as I have 
done, and if you play them well you may defy ill fortune. 

Chorus of Revellers, outside {without accompaniment). 
Now, since we must part, let's drain a last glass; 

Let's drink ! 
Let us first drink to this gentle young lass; 

Let's drink! 
From drinking this toast, we'll none of us shrink; 
Others shall follow, when we've time to think. 
Our burden shall be, let us drink ! 
The burden to bear is good drink. 

{loud laughter heard outside) 
Math, {taking off his coat) Ha, ha, ha! Those jolly topers 
have got all they want. What holes in the snow they will make 
before they reach their homes! Drink! Drink! Is it not strange? 
To drink and drown every remorse ! Yes, everything goes well ! 
{he drinks a glass of zvater) Mathias, you can at least boast 
of having well managed your affairs — the contract signed — rich — 
prosperous — respected — happy! {takes off zvaist coat) No one now 
will hear you, if you dream. No one ! No more folly ! — no more 
Bells ! To-night, I triumph ; for conscience is at rest ! 

{he enters the alcove — the Chorus of Revellers heard again, 
in the distance — a hand is extended from alcove and ex- 
tinguishes the candle — stage dark — curtain at hack of gauze 
rises, disclosing an extensive set of a Court of Justice, 
arched, brilliantly lighted — at hack, three Judges on the 
bench, dressed in black caps and red robes — at r. and l., the 
Public, in Alsatian costumes — in front of the Judges, hut 
beneath them, a table, on which lies the Jew's cloak and cap 
— on r., the Public Prosecutor and Barristers — on l., the 



38 THE BELLS. 

Clerk or Registrar of the Court, and Barristers — a Gen- 
darme at each corner of the Court — Mathias is discovered 
seated on a stool in c. of Court — he is dressed in the brown 
blouse and hood worn by the Man in the vision in Act I. — 
he has his back to the Audience, face to Judges) 

The Clerk of the Court, (l., standing, reading the Act of 
Accusation) Therefore, the prisoner, Mathias, is accused of 
having, on the night of the 24th December, 1818, between mid- 
night and one o'clock, assassinated the Jew Kovesky, upon the 
bridge of Vechem, to rob him of his gold. 

President. Prisoner, you have heard the Act of Accusation 
read; you have already heard the depositions of the witnesses. 
What have you to say in answer? 

Math, {violently — throws back hood, and starting up) Wit- 
nesses ! People who saw nothing ; people who live miles from the 
place where the crime was committed; at night, and in the 
winter time ! You call such people witnesses ! 

Pres. Answer with calmness; these gestures — this violence 
will avail you nothing. You are a man full of cunning. 

Math, (with humility) No, I am a man of simplicity. 

Pres. You knew well the time to select; you knew well 
how to evade all suspicion; you knew well how to destroy all 
direct evidence. You are a dangerous man ! 

Math, (derisively) Because nothing can be proved against 
me I am dangerous! Every honest man then is dangerous 
when nothing can be proved against him! A rare encourage- 
ment for honesty ! 

Pres. The public voice accuses you. Answer me this : How 
is it that you hear the noise of Bells ? 

Math, (passionately) I do not hear the noise of Bells! 
(music — Bells heard off as before — Mathias trembles) 

Pres. Prisoner, you speak falsely. At this moment you hear 
that noise. Tell us why is this ? 

Math. It is nothing. It is simply a jangling in my ears. 

Pres. Unless you acknowledge the true cause of this noise 
you hear, we shall summon the Mesmerist to explain the matter 
to us. 

Math, (with deHance) It is true then that I hear this noise. 
(Bells cease) 



THE BELLS. 39 

Pres. (to the Clerk of the Court) It is well, write that 
down. 

Math. Yes; but I hear it in a dream. 

Pres. Write, that he hears it in a dream. 

Math, (furiously) Is it a crime to dream? 

The Crowd, {murmur very softly among themselves, and 
move simultaneously, each person performing exactly the same 
movement of negation) N — N — N — o! 

(Mathias rises from his seat and addresses himself to the: 
public on either side of stage.) 

Math, (zvith confidence) Listen, friends ! Don't fear for me ! 
All this is but a dream — I am in a dream. If it were not a 
dream should I be clothed in these rags? Should I have before 
me such judges as these? Judges who, simply acting upon their 
own empty ideas, would hang a fellow creature. Ha, ha, ha! 
It is a dream — a dream! (he bursts into a long derisive laugh) 

(Mathias sits and faces audience.) 

Pres. Silence, prisoner — silence! (turning to his companion 
fudges) Gentlemen — this noise of Bells arises in the prisoner's 
mind from the remembrance of what is past. The prisoner hears 
this noise because there rankles in his heart the memory of that 
he would conceal from us. The Jew's horse carried Bells. 

Math. It is false, I have no memories. 

Pres. Be silent ! 

Math, (with rage) A man cannot be condemned upon such 
suppositions. You must have proofs. I do not hear the noise 
of Bells. 

Pres. You see, gentlemen, the prisoner contradicts himself. 
He has already made the avowal — now he retracts it. 

Math. No! I hear nothing, (the Bells heard) It is the 
blood rushing to my brain — this jangling in my ears, (the Bells 
increase in sound) I ask for Christian. Why is not Christian 
here? (he turns from side to side and speaks nervously) 

Pres. Prisoner! do you persist in your denial? 

Math, (with force) Yes. There is nothing proved against 
me. It is a gross injustice to keep an honest man in prison. 
I sufier in the cause of justice, (the Bells cease) 

Pres. You persist. Well ! Considering that since this affair 
took place fifteen years have passed, and that it is impossible 
to throw light upon the circumstances by ordinary means — first, 



40 



THE BELLS. 



through the cunning and audacity of the prisoner, and second, 
through the deaths of witnesses who could have given evidence 
— for these reasons we decree that the Court hear the Mesmerist. 
Officer, summon the Mesmerist. 

Math, (in a terrible voice) I oppose it! I oppose it! Dreams 
prove nothing. 

Pres. Summon the Mesmerist ! (^;rtV Gendarme, r.) 

Math, (striking the table) It is abominable ! It is in defiance 
of all justice! 

(Mathias is standing back of his chair, l. of table R.) 

Pres. If you are innocent, why should you fear the Mesmerist, 
because he can read the inmost secrets of your heart? Be 
calm, or, believe me, your own indiscretion will prove that you 
are guilty. 

Math. I demand an advocate. I wish to instruct the advocate 
Linder of Saverne. In a case like this, I do not care for cost. 
I am calm — as calm as any man who has no reproach against 
himself. I fear nothing; but dreams are dreams, (loudly) Why 
is Christian not here ? My honor is his honor ! Let him be sent 
for. He is an honest man. ( with exultation) Christian, I have 
made you rich. Come, and defend me ! 

(Mathias seats himself again. During all his movements 
one of the calcium lights follow him during this scene.) 



Presidetit 
O O O 



Mathias 
O 



Mesmerist 
O 



Music — the Gendarme who had gone out, returns with the 

Mesmerist. 
Mesmer. (bending to the Court respectfully) Your honors, 
the President and Judges of the Court, it is your decree that 



o. 



THE BELLS. 41 

has brought me before your tribunal; without such direction, 
terror alone would have kept me far from here. 

(Mathias rises and turns toward the President.) 

Math. Who can believe in the follies of the Mesmerists? 
They deceive the public for the purpose of gaining money ! They 
merely perform the tricks of conjurors! I have seen this fellow 
already at my cousin Both's, at Ribeauville. 

pRES. (to the Mesmerist) Can you send this man to sleep? 

Mesmer. (looking full at Mathias, wAo sinks upon chair, 
unable to endure the Mesmerist's gaze) I can! 

Math, (starting up) I will not be made the subject of this 
conjuror's experiments. 

Pres. I command it! 

Math. Christian — where is Christian? He will prove that 
I am an honest man. 

Pres. Your resistance betrays you. 

Math, (with defiance) I have no fear, (sits) 

(The Mesmerist makes several passes — waving his out' 
stretched hands — in front and back of Mathias, his eyes 
being intently fixed upon him. This is kept up for about ten 
seconds. *Music trcmulo.) 

Math, (to himself) Mathias, if you sleep you are lost, (his 
eyes are fixed as if struck with horror — in a hollow voice) No — 
no — I will not sleep — I — will — (in a hesitating voice) I will — not 
— no (falls asleep — Music ceases) 

Mesmer. (to the President) He sleeps. What shall I ask 
him? 

Pres. Ask him, what he did on the night of the 24th of 
December, fifteen years ago. 

Mesmer. (to Mathias, in a firm voice) You: are at the 
night of the 24th December, 1818? 

Math, (in a low voice) Yes. 

Mesmer. What time is it? 

Math. Half-past eleven. 

Mesmer. Speak on, I command you ! 

Math, (still in the same attitude, speaking as if he were 
describing a vision presented to his sight) The people are leaving 
the inn — Catherine and Little Annette have gone to rest. Our 
man Kasper comes in. He tells me the lime-kiln is lighted. 
I answer him, it is well; go to bed, I will see to the kiln. He 



42 THE BELLS. 

leaves me; I am alone with the Jew, who warms himself at the 
stove. Outside, everything sleeps. Nothing is heard, except 
from time to time the Jew's horse under the shed, when he shakes 
his bells. 

Mesmer. Of what are you thinking? 

Math. I am thinking that I must have money — that if I 
have not three thousand francs by the 31st, the inn will be 
taken from me. I am thinking that no one is stirring; that 
it is night ; that there are two feet of snow upon the ground, 
and that the Jew will follow the high road quite alone ! 

Mesmer. Have you already decided to attack him ? 

Math, {after a short silence) That man is strong. He has 
broad shoulders. I am thinking that he would defend himself 
well, should anyone attack him. {he makes a movement) 

Mesmer. What ails you? 

Math, (m a loiv voice) He looks at me. He has gray eyes. 
{as if speaking to himself) I must strike the blow ! 

Mesmer. You are decided? 

Math. Yes — yes ; I will strike the blow ! I will risk it ! 

Mesmer. Go on! 

Math, {continuing) I must, however, look round. I go 
out ; all is dark ! It still snows ; no one will trace my footsteps 
in the snow, {he raises his hand as if feeling for something) 

Mesmer. What are you doing? 

Math. I am feeling in the sledge — should he carry pistols I 
There is nothing — I will strike the blow! {he listens) All is 
silent in the village! Little Annette is crying; a goat bleats in 
the stable ; the Jew is walking in his room ! 

Mesmer. You re-enter? 

Math. Yes. The Jew has placed six francs upon the table; 
I return him his money; he fixes his eyes steadily upon me! 

(Mathias takes plenty of time describing the occurrence.) 

Mesmer. He speaks to you? 

Math. He asks me how far it is to Mutzig? Four leagues. 
I wish him well on his journey! He answers — "God bless you!'* 
He goes out — He is gone! (Mathias, with body bent, takes 
several steps forzvard as if following and zvatching his victim, 
he extends his hands) The axe! Where is the axe? Ah, here, 
behind the door! How cold it is! {he trembles) The snow falls 



THE BELLS. 43 

—not a star! Courage, Mathias, you shall possess the girdle — 
courage ! 

Mesmer. You follow him? 

Math. Yes, yes. I have crossed the fields! (pointing) Here 
is the old bridge, and there below, the frozen rivulet! How 
the dogs howl at Daniel's farm — how they howl ! And old 
Finck's forge, how brightly it glows upon the hillock, (low, as 
if speaking to himself) Kill a man I — kill a man ! You will 
not do that, Mathias — you will not do that! Heaven forbids it. 
(proceeding to walk with measured steps and bent body) You are 
a fool ! Listen, you will be rich, your wife and child will no 
longer want for anything ! The Jew came ; so much the worse — 
so much the worse. He ought not to have come! You will 
pay all you owe; you will no more be in debt, (loud, in a broken 
tone) It must be, Mathias, that you kill him! (he listens) 
No one on the road — no one ! (with an expression of terror) 
What dreadful silence! (he wipes his forehead with his hand) 
One o'clock strikes, and the moon shines. Ah! The Jew has 
already passed! Thank God! thank God! (he kneels — a pause — 
he listens — the Bells heard without as before) No! The Bells! 
The Bells ! He comes ! (he bends down in a zvatching attitude, 
and remains still — a pause — in a low voice) You will be rich — 
you will be rich — you will be rich ! (the noise of the Bells increase 
— the Crowd express alarm simultaneously — all at once Mathias 
springs forward, and zuith a species of savage roar, strikes a 
terrible blow with his right hand) Ah ! ah ! I have you now, Jew ! 
(he strikes again — the Crowd simultaneously express horror — 
Mathias leans forward and gazes anxiously on the ground — he 
extends his hand as if to touch something, but drazvs it back in 
horror) He does not move! (he raises himself, utters a deep 
sigh of relief and looks round) The horse has fled with the 
sledge! (the Bells cease — kneeling down) Quick, quick! The 
girdle! I have it. Ha! (he performs the action in saying this of 
taking it from the Jew's body and buckling it round his own) 
It is full of gold, quite full. Be quick, Mathias, be quick ! Carry 
him away, (he bends loiv down and appears to lift the body upon 
his back; then he walks across stage, his body bent, his step slow 
as a man who carries a heavy had) 

Mesmer. Where are you going? 

Math, (stopping) To the lime-kiln. I am there, (he appears 



44 THE BELLS. 

to throw the body upon the kiln) How heavy he was! (he 
breathes with force, then he again bends down to take up 
a pole — in a hoarse voice) Go into the fire, Jew, go into the 
fire! {he appears to push the body with the pole using his whole 
force, suddenly he utters a cry of horror and staggers away, his 
face covered with his hands) Those eyes, oh, those eyes! How 
he glares at me. {he sinks on to stool, and takes the same attitude 
as when first thrown into sleep). 

.'^ Pres. {with a sign to the Mesmerist) It is well, {to the 
Clerk of the Court) You have written all ? 

Clerk. All I 

Pres. {to Mesmerist) It is well— awake him now, and let 
him read himself. 

Mesmer. Awake! I command you! 

Math, {awakes graduaUy — he appears bewildered) Where 
am I? {he looks round) Ah I Yes; what is going on? ' 

Clerk, {goes over to him and hands him a paper) Here is 
your deposition — read it. 

(Mathias rises and partially faces the Judges.) 

Math, {takes it and, before reading it, aside) Wretched, 
wretched fool! I have told all; I am lost! {with rage, after 
reading the paper) It is false! {tears the paper into pieces) You 
are a set of rogues! Christian — where is Christian? It is a 
crime against justice! They will not let my only witness speak. 
Christian ! They would kill the father of your wife ! Help me — 
help me ! 

Pres. You force me to speak of an event of which I had 
wished to remain silent. Your son-in-law Christian, upon hearing 
of the crimes with which you are charged, by his own hand 
sought his death. He is no more. 

Math. Ah! {he appears stupefied with dismay) 

Pres. {after consulting the other Judges, rises, speaks in a 
solemn tone of voice) Considering that on the night of the 24th 
December, 1818, between midnight and one o'clock, Mathias 
committed the crime of assassination upon the person of one 
Koveski, and considering that this crime was committed under 
circumstances which aggravates its enormity — such as premedi- 
tation, and for the purpose of highway robbery; the Court con- 
demns the said Mathias to be hanged by the neck until he is 
dead! 

;LofC. 



THE BELLS. 



45 



(Mathias staggers and falls on his knees — the Crowd make 
a movement of terror — the death-bell tolls — lights lowered 
gradually — then curtain at back of gauze descends, dis- 
closing the scene as at commencement — lights up — ^Lively 
music — a peal of joy bells heard ringing) 
Crowd, {outside shouting) Christian, Annette, {loud knock- 
ing at door, r.) 

WiLHELM. {without) Mathias! Mathias! brother! get up 
at once. It is late in the morning and all our guests are below. 
{knocking on door, r.) 

Chris, {without) Mathias! Mathias! (jtY^wc^) How soundly 
he sleeps! 

Walter, {without) Ho! Mathias, the wedding has com- 
menced, {more knocking) 

The Crowd, {aside) Burgomaster! Burgomaster! {loud 
knocking) 

WiLHELM. {in an anxious voice) He does not answer. It is 
strange. Mathias! (a discussion among many voices is heard 
without) 

Chris. No — It is useless. Leave it to me! {at the same 
moment several violent blows are struck upon the door, which 
falls into the room from its hinges) 

{Enter Christian, hurriedly — he runs to the alcove — Music, 

hurry.) 
Chris. Mathias! {looks into alcove and staggers back into 
room) Ah ! 

{Enter from door r., Hans, Walter, Wilhelm, Franz, Doc- 
tor ZiMMER and all the Guests, dressed for the wedding.) 



Door 



O 
Guests 



Christian 
Wilhelm O 

O 



Akovt 



46 



THE BELLS. 



WiLHELM. What has happened, Christian, what has happened? 
(advancing toward alcove) 

Chris, (stopping him) Don't come near — don't come near. 

WiLHELM. (striving to pass) I will see what it is. Let me 
pass. I will see my brother. 

(Mathias appears from the alcove — he is dressed in the 
same clothes as when he retired into the alcove at the 
commencement of the Scene, but his face is haggard, and 
ghastly pale — he comes out, his eyes fixed, his arms ex- 
tended — as he rushes forward with uncertain steps, the 
Crowd fall back with horror, and form groups of con- 
sternation, with a general exclamation of terror) 



Cufsh 
O 



Zimmer 
O 



Walter 
O 



Hans 
O 



Chris'ian 
Mathias Q 
O 

Wilhelm 
O 



O 
Guests 



Math, (in a voice of strangulation) The rope! the rope! 
Cut the rope ! 

(he falls suddenly, and is caught in the arms of Hans and 

Walter, who carry him to the chair in center of stage-^ 

the Bells heard off — Music, the melody played in the 

Second Act when promise given — his hands clutch at his 

throat as if to remo7Je something that strangles him — he 

looks pitifully round as if trying to recognise those about 

him, and then his head falls on his breast — 

Chris, (kneels and places his hand over Mathias' heart) 

Dead! Dead! (the Bells stop) *Music continues until curtain. 

Christian and Wilhelm kneel and bozv their heads. All the 

characters remove their hats. General dejection.) 

Slow Curtain. 



the end. 



m S3 1904 



God-SDCcd '^- ^^^ Wishing in Verse and Prose 
A^ - FOR ATJ. nrrAQiniMQ 



FOR ALL OCCASIONS. 



Vith an Appendix of Prose Compositions, 
Salutatory Addresses and Valedictory Orations for School Festivals. 



TRICE, Bound in Goth, 



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New Yearns Vishes : 



To the Parents, 


12 NOB 


" Father, 


2 


'• Mother, 


2 


To Grandparents, 


2 


" the Grandfather, 


2 


'* " Grandmother 


. 2 


" Uncle or Aunt, 


2 


" Brother or Sister, 


4 


" Teachers, 


6 


" Clergymen, 


1 


" a Friend. 


3 


Birthday Wishes 


J 


To the Father, 


9 


" Mother, 


10 


" Grandfather, 


5 


" Grandmother, 


3 


To Uncle or Aunt, 


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'* Teachers, 


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" Clergymen, 


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Christmas "Wishes : 
To Parents, 4 

'erses for Engagements 
and Marriages : 



iSngaged Couple, 
legroom, 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

To Bride, 

On the Wedding Day, 

Home Coming ofa Young 

Couple, 
With Flowers, 

Verses for Jtibilces { 

On Presentation of a Silver 

Wreath. 
For a Silver Wedding. 

" Golden Wedding. 
Grandparents' Golden 

Wedding. 
An niversary of an Employee, 
Anniversary of a Clergyman 
A Teacher's Anniversary. 

Poems for various Cele- 
brations : 

Reception of a NewTeacher. 
School Children's Welcome 

to a Clergj^man, 
Installation'of a Clergyman. 
Anniversary of a Society. 

Verses of Farewell: 

To a Friend. 
" Teacher. 

Epitaphs and Inscriptions 
for Tombstones : 

General Inscriptions. 



Special Inscriptions 
For a Child. 

" Youth. 

'* Young Girl. 

" Father. 

" Mother. 
For Parents. 
For a Husband, 

" Wife. 

" Clergyman. 

" Religious. 

" Teacher. 



Elegie 



for Deaths 
Burials : 



and 



At the Grave of a Clergvman 
At the Grave of a Teacher. 

Prose Compositions: 

Expressions of Faith, Grati- 
tude, and Good Wishes 
suitable for Addresses, 
lyRTTERs, Memorials, 
Resoi.utions, Testi- 
monials, etc., to Teachers, 
Clergymen, etc., etc. 

Salutatory Addresses: 
For School Festivals, 5. 

Valedictory Orations : 

For School Festivals, 5. 



^ above description, and contents and specimens of GOD-SPEED found on next 
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^ this book has been especially composed and written for it by competent 
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^supplies appropriate sentiment, clothed in beautiful language, for 
in human life, and there is hardly anybody to whom the book 
iceable on many occasions. 

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>^DDRESSES and VALEDICTORY ORATIONS for Schooi 
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